Cozumel is a top notch snorkel spot in the Caribbean and boasts incredible water clarity which is critical for a good snorkel experience. Since Cozumel is ranked in the top three as a world class diving destination, one simply has to put their face in the water to see why. And it simply stands to reason that as a world class scuba diving destination, Cozumel's snorkeling has to be awesome, too! Plus, Cozumel is an island just big enough to be an adventure but not so large that one feels intimidated going it alone to explore. So what better adventure to try than a "do it yourself" or "self guided" snorkel tour along the beautiful Cozumel coastline.

Now, If you'd like to consider getting certified to scuba dive rather than snorkel, then click here to learn more about diving in Cozumel. The good news is that a person does not have to know how to scuba dive in order to enjoy the exciting underwater beauty Cozumel has to offer. Cozumel is one of the few places where snorkeling is easy and very accessible not only by boat but along the shoreline as well so scuba is not necessary to enjoy the incredible snorkeling in Cozumel. The key to amazing snorkeling in Cozumel is knowing where to go!

What better way to explore the beauty of Cozumel's spectacular reefs and colorful tropical fish than by snorkeling. One can easily snorkel via a boat trip (click here for Our Favorite Boat Snorkel Trips) and luckily from shore as well.

Cozumel's shorelines gently slope toward deeper waters and provide miles of beautiful snorkeling just a couple of steps from the waters edge. With a simple set of mask, snorkel and fins and perhaps a flotation vest if necessary, a person can immediately enjoy the colorful underwater realm just a few yards off shore!

Step 1:Equipped!! Decide how you want to handle your equipment options. For those who really enjoy snorkeling and plan on doing it for a lifetime in various destinations, investing in a set of equipment is the best way to go. Having your own equipment saves rental fees and ensures you are always comfortable and accustomed to the gear. A decent set of snorkel equipment which consists of mask, snorkel and fins can easily be purchased for US$30 - $50 in the USA. Equipment for purchase is available here in Cozumel in most of the large supermarkets and dive shops however, since everything is imported to the island, prices will be higher. Snorkel equipment rental prices range US$ 12 -$ 20 daily and many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises which will limit your ability to snorkel in various places around the island. So make your snorkel equipment decision based on how much you plan to snorkel!

If a beach is offering "FREE" snorkel equipment ~ typically this means they don't have much to see in the way of snorkeling. They give it away because folks go out for a few minutes and realize there's nothing but sand and then give up the equipment.
Also, decide if you feel you need to invest in a flotation device to assist you while snorkeling. Some feel most comfortable with the self inflatable snorkel vests. These are available for purchase in the US for US$ 30 - $50 each. Rental prices for snorkel vests run US$ 8-10 but again, many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises.

Step 2: Book a rental car now ... Since Cozumel has few paved roads around the island, you can rent a car and strike out on your own island tour with very little chance of getting lost. As long as adventurers stay on the pavement, they eventually come full circle around the island. Circling the island via paved road can take as little as 2 hours or as many as you want depending on how many stops you decide to make along the way!

A unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and get to know them better! Experience the joy of a dolphin kiss, hugs and handshake and then marvel at the dolphin’s strength as you are towed through the water with a "belly ride." You will fall in love with their gentleness during this activity created especially for you to bond with dolphins!
US $139 Adults / US $89 Kids

The Manatee Encounter in Cozumel is a one of a kind adventure, the only swim with manatees program in the Caribbean. Manatees are beautiful and enormous, once thought by sailors to be mermaids, these gentle giants can grow as long as 13ft/4m and weigh up to 1300 lbs/600 kgs! Bring the family to live the experience !!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids

Dolphin Discovery's Sea Lion Discovery program provides a unique opportunity for some playful, educational interaction with these wonderful animals. Sea lions are fun and mischievous creatures the entire family will enjoy!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids

Bring your group and spend the day at our PalMar small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowd here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site!
US $14 Adults / US $8 Kids Includes FREE Drinks!

Convertible Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Pop Convertible has a manual transmission, comes in a two (2) or four (4) door option, no A/C and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)

Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Matiz has a manual transmission, comes in a five (5) door hatchback, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)

Subcompact Class - Both Chevrolet (Chevy) Aveo or Nissan Tiida have a manual transmission, comes in a four (4) door sedan, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $55 Daily (Max = 5 pax)

Sherri, We had the most wonderful time with you in May! You and your staff made our weekend there in Cozumel with your great hospitality. The grounds are beautiful, food was great and the snorkeling ~ well my group just could not get enough and were amazed by the tropical sealife there off your beach. We look so much forward to coming back and seeing you again very soon. Tell the staff thanks again and say hello to the family for us as well. Take care:0) ....Happy Cruise Passenger J. Wellborn ~ Cragford, AL USA

Sherri - Thanks very much for your help. I got the confirmations today for both the royal swim and dolphin encounter. I'll definitely pass the word about your great service. thanks! The Rice Family ~ Williamsburg, VA USA

If you want the best beach entry snorkel experience, you have to come out to PalMar Beach Club for the day. We came out on Wednesday, 12/02/2015 and not only saw thousands of Brightly Colored fish (yet to be identified), 2 rays, an octopus, and a sturgeon. Don't miss the Beautiful Purple Sea Fan Forest just to the right of the beach entry. But the best find of the day was a Moray eel who was nice enough to smile for the camera :) The staff made us feel like family and the food was delicious. If I had known how GREAT a snorkeling spot this was I would have booked a spot for 2 straight days......Definitely Next Time!!! Nick & Tori - December 2015 ~ Frisco, TX USA

First of all, I want to say thank you so much for sharing your wonderful island with my family. Secondly, we did the Royal Dolphin Swim with Dorie and Belle, and it was the most AWESOME time of our lives. One lady in our session cried at the end, saying this was the greatest thing that she has ever done. The Park was beautiful, and everyone was very helpful. Thank you again for a wonderful time. D. Smith ~ USA

I got my beautiful map today and it is great -- thanks! It is for hanging on the wall in my daughter's room. They both look forward to visiting Cozumel again some day if we can. Kay H. ~ St. Louis, MO